Bellflower woman, new mother, found dead on Newport Beach shore

NEWPORT BEACH — A woman found dead face-down on the beach Monday and whose death has been ruled "suspicious" by police has been identified as a Bellflower resident.

Tina Hoang, 20, was identified Thursday by the Orange County Coroner's Office. She was found Monday morning by a couple walking the beach near Lifeguard Tower 71.

Kathy Lowe, spokeswoman for the Newport Police Department, said detectives were investigating the death that has been labeled "suspicious" pending toxicology tests.

Lowe would not say whether there were any signs of trauma or comment on whether the deceased was clad when found. She also would not comment on whether the woman was believed to have died at the beach or elsewhere.

Los Angeles and Orange County superior court records show Hoang had a lengthy list of prostitution convictions and pending cases. Her attorney, David Nisson, said she had given birth to a boy in January.

He also said he was representing her in 15 open cases, including open investigations and probation violations.

She was due in court today Friday in Van Nuys and had future court dates in Orange County and downtown Los Angeles.

Nisson said he didn't know about Hoang's personal life nor did he have any indication that she might be in danger or have relationship problems.

"I was shocked," he said of learning of her death.

"I just knew her in court," he said. "She seemed like a nice and respectful person. She had an education."

Nisson said he last saw Hoang on Feb. 26 when he helped lower her bail and get her released from jail.

He mused that she could have had a different fate if he hadn't helped to spring her.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Garrett Fitzgerald at 949-644-3797. Anonymous tips can be left by calling 800-550-NBPD.